News Release

Sunday, March 3, 2002

Los Angeles: On March 2, 2002, at approximately 3:40 p.m., two uniformed bicycle officers assigned to Hollenbeck Community Police Station were at a restaurant on the north side of Caesar Chavez Boulevard, east of Breed Street, when some community members approached them and alerted them to a commotion at a location just west of them. The officers responded, on bike, and observed a male Hispanic in his 20’s, on foot, on the sidewalk of Breed Street, south of Caesar Chavez Boulevard. The male was carrying a purse under his arm. The officers approached, at which time the suspect turned, and with a chrome revolver, fired at one of the officers. The officer, in fear for his life returned fire at the suspect, using his service pistol. The suspect then moved on to the street, and shot at the second officer. That officer, in fear for his life, returned fire at the suspect, using his service pistol. The suspect ran southbound on Breed Street, toward Michigan Avenue, with the officers pursuing him. The officers lost sight of the suspect. Additional units were requested, and responded, and a perimeter was established in an effort to secure the suspect.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the earlier mentioned commotion was as a result of the suspect badly beating an elderly female victim, with a chrome revolver, and then robbing her of a large amount of cash. The Robbery/Assault with a Deadly Weapon occurred in a store located on the south side of Caesar Chavez Boulevard, east of Breed Street. The victim was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Her injuries do not appear to be life threatening. A short while later, officers recovered clothing and a chrome pistol in a dumpster to the rear of 2316 Michigan Avenue. The clothing and pistol appears to be that of the suspect.

Also responding to the scene, to assist with the search for the suspect, were officers from the LAPD’s Canine and SWAT Units. An extensive search was conducted, however, the suspect was not located. At this time, it is unknown if the suspect was struck by gunfire. Neither officer was injured as a result of the gun battle with the suspect. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic in his 20’s, dark complexioned, possibly shaved head, 5’6" to 5’7" tall. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Robbery Homicide Division at 213-485-2129. During off-hours, please call the Detective Information Desk at 1-800-LAWFULL (1-800-529-3855).

The investigation into this incident is ongoing and is being conducted by Robbery Homicide Division and Critical Incident Investigation Division.